Afro-Cuban Big Band Play-Along

Drumset and Mallet Books with CDs

This Drum Play-Along package consists of drum charts for six songs and a CD that features a full performance track with drums and the same track minus drums. For mallet players, there is also a companion package that features the same songs but contains charts and a music minus mallets CD for Mallet Instruments.

The six songs included are:

Afro Green by Dave Samuels, which features a 12/8 Afro-Cuban groove

Naima by John Coltrane, classic cha-cha groove

Rendezvous by Dave Samuels, a mambo groove

Soul Sauce (Guarachi Guaro) by John Dizzy Gillespie and Luciano Pozo Gonzales, a Latin Jazz Classic cha-cha groove

Picture Frame by Dave Samuels, bossa nova/samba groove

Bemsha Swing by Thelonious Monk and Denzil Best, another classic is performed in a different style from the original

In addition to the included CD and charts, each separate package includes a booklet consisting of analysis of style variations. The CDs also contain solo vamps that give you the chance to work on your improvisation.

Bottom Line: Afro-Cuban Big Band Play-Along
Both the Mallet package, written by Dave Samuels and the Drumset package, written by Joe McCarthy, contain a great set of charts that provide practical, professional, and invaluable play-along material for percussionists interested in Afro-Cuban musical styles.

While an excellent value at a retail price of $19.95 for each package, you'll find them at an even lower price online: Afro-Cuban Big Band Play-Along for Drumset and Afro-Cuban Big Band Play-Along for Mallets/C Instruments.